David Brodati, DipWSET
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Reviews (622)
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Reviews
Hidden Bench Terroir Caché 2015, Unfiltered, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment
Ontario, Canada$44.95
The 2015 is equal parts Cab Franc and Merlot, followed by Malbec and a splash of Cab Sauv. Elevage was 20 months in French oak, of which some must have been new judging by the flavour profile. Red and dark fruit, with an herbal and cedary element, vanilla and sweet baking spice. The tannins have polymerized and are fairly smooth with just a bit of traction left. Medium bodied, so nicely integrated and beautifully balanced. Drinking really well now. Excellent length. Dec. 2020.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
De Loach Durell Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009, Sonoma Coast
California, Usa$55.00
Opened this Cali Pinot for Thanksgiving and it matched beautifully with turkey dinner, drawing in the berry sweetness of cranbury sauce but having enough earthyness for the savoury stuffing. A lifted nose, with lovely concentrated fruit. It is plush with good structure including acidity and waning but still present tannins. Excellent length. Oct. 2014.
4.0 Stars
(0)
Pearmund Old Vine Chardonnay 2018, Meriwether Vineyard, Fauquier County, Virginia
Usa$29.95
Here's a complex, balanced and richly textured Chard from Virginia. Primary notes of buttercup florals, pear, peach, citrus and melon along with nicely integrated oak flavours including hazelnut and caramel and a buttery diacetyl character from Malo. The texture is rich and creamy. Acidity is bright enough to balance the richness and there's even a reductive note too. Length is excellent. Pair with rich cheese with a nutty note. April 2022.
4.0 Stars
Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf-du-pape 2010
Rhône, France$52.50
I was disappointed with this CdP relative to expectations. I found it quite closed. The nose eventually opened a bit with lots of time in the decanter, but I expected a 2010 to be more ready and expressive, particularly given the great vintage. Dark ruby, with faint fruit notes of black cherry. A slow reveal of spice, herb and graphite minerality. There's good structure, balance, soft tannin and very good length. I expected more. Perhaps needs more time, or I had a weird bottle, but I couldn't detect a specific fault (TCA, VA, overly reduced or oxidized). Jan. 2018.
4.0 Stars
(0)
González Byass La Copa Vermouth Rojo, Jerez, Spain
Jerez, Spain$25.95
Wow, the amped aromatics on this Spanish Vermouth are striking. Complexity abounds with aromas and flavours of clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, fruit cake, vanilla bean, varnish, orange peel, honey, florals, perfume/soap and on and on. Interesting interplay between sweet and bitter, a paso doble rather than a coalescent whole. Medium minus acidity and a viscous mouthfeel. Pleasant bitter medicinal finish. Love it. July 2017.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Hidden Bench Terroir Caché Meritage 2010, VQA Beamsville Bench
Ontario, Canada$38.20
Still somewhat youthful despite 6 years under its belt. A beautifully balanced, concentrated, complex Meritage that is aging gracefully. Opaque deep ruby. Aromas of cherry, red plum, raspberry, currant, tobacco, smoked meat, cinnamon, red rose tea, black pepper, licorice, cedar. Juicy medium plus acidity, body and alcohol, with still tacky tannin. Excellent length. Rich and extracted but still elegant. Lovely wine. March 2016.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Journey'S End Shiraz Single Vineyard 2007, Wo Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch, South Africa$19.95
This is a big, bold, dark ruby shiraz. On the nose, it made a mess (that's the last time I pour wine on my nose). But inhaling it revealed dark fruit, smoke meat and tarry and oak aromas. On the palate, there's more fruit, pepper, velvety tannins and a nice full mouthfeel (I will continue to pour wine on my palate). Oak is integrated adding to a fine balance. I would pair this with a juicy peppercorn encrusted steak. January 2014.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Château Larrivet-haut-brion Blanc 2007, Ac Pessac Léognan
Bordeaux, France$41.25
This Bordeaux has a beautiful yellow gold hue. It is very aromatic with mineral, honey and fruit notes. The mouthfeel is rich, thick, almost creamy. Citrusy orange rind flavours, nuttiness, lemony acidity and a slightly sour edge. The higher ABV is evident with a touch of heat. The oak is measuredly integrated and complexity abounds. I would drink this all night if it weren't for hangovers, liver disease and the likelihood that I'd fall down and go boom. It's hitting prime time so pry open that cellar. 94+ March 2014.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Burmester 10-year-old Tawny Port
Douro, Portugal$32.95
This 10 year Tawny has a lovely light garnet-brick colour. Complex aroma/flavour profile leading with a nutty rancio element followed by dried dark fruit, tea, marmalade, leather and old wood varnish. The palate is rich and viscous with fresh acidity that provides balance and creates a perception of medium sweet rather than lusciously so. Rounds out with pleasing alcohol warmth. Excellent length. April 2017.
4.0 Stars
(74)V
Galil Mountain Yiron 2013, Upper Galilee
Israel, World$27.75
Big and bold Cab dominant red blend. Non-mevushal kosher. Good concentration and depth of flavour in this full bodied wine. 15.5% abv declared but doesn't feel hot, just nicely warming. Over-ripe to baked fruit in the prune and black cherry spectrum, with herb and vanillin/chocolate from the oak that, while obviously present, doesn't protrude beyond its intended boundaries. Mild tannin and excellent length. April 2018.
4.0 Stars
(0)V